Apparatus and method for changing unwinding units in a wrapping machine, and unwinding apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, associable to a wrapping machine ( 10 ), comprises at least one unwinding unit ( 50 ) for said wrapping machine ( 10 ) for wrapping a load (L) with a film ( 4 ), and shuttle means ( 11, 12; 21, 22 ) that are movable along a path (P) and suitable for receiving and supporting an unwinding unit ( 50 ) to be replaced and to be dismantled from said wrapping machine ( 10 ), and/or a new unwinding unit ( 50 ) to be mounted on said wrapping machine ( 10 ); the shuttle means ( 11, 12; 21, 22 ) operates along a substantially horizontal operating direction (T) so as to dismantle and receive from said wrapping machine ( 10 ) an unwinding unit ( 50 ) to be replaced and/or so as to transfer and mount on said wrapping machine ( 10 ) a new unwinding unit ( 50 ); the apparatus ( 1 ) comprises a supporting unit ( 60 ) suitable to be fixed to said wrapping machine ( 10 ) and arranged to he coupled to, and support, said unwinding unit ( 50 ), said unwinding unit ( 50 ) comprising first coupling means ( 58 ), and said supporting unit ( 60 ) comprising second coupling means ( 64 ), said first coupling means ( 58 ) and said second coupling means ( 68 ) being mutually couplable or uncouplable along said operating direction (T).

The invention relates to machines and methods for wrapping a load with a film of extensible plastic material. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for changing automatically a film unwinding unit that is mounted on a wrapping machine. The invention further relates to a wrapping machine comprising such apparatus. The invention also relates to a film unwinding apparatus removably associable to a wrapping machine and to a wrapping machine comprising such unwinding apparatus.

The known wrapping machines generally comprise an unwinding unit supporting a reel from which the plastic film is unwound to be wrap around the load so as to form a series of strips or bands with helical or coiled trend, by virtue of the combination of the movement in the vertical direction of the unwinding unit and the reciprocal rotation between the latter and the load. The latter is typically composed of one or more products grouped and arranged on a bed or pallet.

In the wrapping machines provided with a rotating table for supporting the load, the latter is rotated around a vertical wrapping axis, whereas the unwinding unit is moved vertically with a reciprocating motion along a fixed column of the machine.

In the wrapping machines with horizontal rotating ring or rotating arm, the load remains static during wrapping, whilst the unwinding unit is moved with respect to the latter, both rotating around the vertical wrapping axis and translating along the latter. For this purpose, the unwinding unit is fixed to a ring or an arm that is rotatably supported by a fixed structure of the machine and so as to rotate around the load.

In the vertical rotating ring wrapping machines, the load is moved horizontally through the ring, while the unwinding unit rotates with the ring around a horizontal wrapping axis. The unwinding unit typically comprises a pair of pre-stretching rollers arranged for unwinding the film from the reel and pre-stretching or elongating the film, and one or more diverting or idle rollers that are arranged for diverting the film towards the load. By suitably adjusting the difference in the rotation speeds of the pre-stretching rollers, it is possible to pre-stretch by a defined amount or percentage the film exiting from the unwinding unit. By adjusting the rotation speed of the pre-stretching rollers, it is also possible to vary the unwinding speed of the film from the reel, i.e., the speed at which the film leaves the unwinding unit.

The unwinding unit generally comprises an electric motor capable of rotating one of the two pre-stretching rollers that acts as a driving (master) roller and that drives, through a transmission/reduction unit, the other pre-stretching roller acting as a driven roller (slave). In this manner, a preset transmission ratio is imposed between the quick roller and the slow roller, as a function of the pre-stretch that it is desired to obtain on the film.

Unwinding units comprising two distinct electric motors are also known, for driving in an independent manner the two pre-stretching rollers.

In the case of exhaustion or breaking or damage or jamming of the film, the reel has to be replaced with a new reel. Such replacement operation is generally carried out manually by an operator who, after stopping the machine and locating the unwinding unit at a suitable height from the ground, proceeds to remove the reel to be replaced from the corresponding supporting shaft (swift), and then to insert and lock a new film reel. At this point, it is necessary to remove from the new reel an initial portion of the film and wind it around the pre-stretching and idle rollers according to the required wrapping path, up to gripping pliers that are fixed to the weight-bearing structure of the machine and intended to keep the film in the initial wrapping step around the product.

These manual interventions, beside being heavy for the operator, require the presence and availability of the latter near the machine. In the case where the operator is absent, or engaged in other activities, the replacement procedure can therefore require machine downtimes that are also relatively long, with consequent reduction of the productivity of the machine.

In order to obviate such a drawback, apparatuses for replacing the reels are known, comprising a carriage bearing one or more new reels and that is movable away from or towards the machine. During the reel replacement, the carriage is near to the machine to receive the exhausted reel and to release the new reel, which is automatically inserted on the supporting shaft (swift) of the unwinding unit. In this way, the replacement of the reel can be carried out automatically.

However, the above-mentioned apparatuses have the drawback that they require the manual winding of the initial film flap of the new reel around the rollers of the unwinding unit in order to allow the proper start of the machine. This preliminary winding operation, which is carried out manually, is laborious and slow, and determinates an increase of the time required for the reel replacement.

Apparatuses that are provided with devices allowing carrying out automatically the above-mentioned preliminary winding operation are also known.

However, such apparatuses, while allowing the replacement of the reel in a completely automatic manner, without the need for a manual intervention by an operator, are not very reliable; particularly, they do not ensure the proper carrying out of the preliminary winding operation at each reel replacement.

Apparatuses that are suitable to replace the whole unwinding unit mounted on the wrapping machine are also known. In this case, the unwinding unit that is mounted on the machine once the film is finished, is removed from the machine, located on suitable supporting means, and replaced by an unwinding unit that is provided with a new film reel with the initial film flap already properly wound around the pre-stretching and idle rollers. The replacement unwinding unit is also located on suitable respective supporting means that is adjacent to the machine, so as to be able to be hooked onto, and removed from, the wrapping machine.

A drawback of the above-mentioned apparatuses is that the supporting means of the unwinding units have to be necessarily located adjacent to the machine to allow for the replacement of the above-mentioned unwinding units. In such positions, the above-mentioned supporting means, due to their overall dimensions, can considerably limit the effectiveness of the wrapping machine, in particular, the mounting of optional units and/or optional accessories. Such drawback is particularly apparent in the case where the machine comprises two or more unwinding units, and therefore a higher number of supporting means.

Furthermore, for safety reasons, considered the proximity with the working zone of the wrapping machine, it is necessary to stop the latter to allow the operators accessing the supporting means and inserting or removing the unwinding units. Such operations involves the stopping of the machine, thus reducing its productivity.

Another drawback is that the mounting and dismantling procedure of the unwinding unit on the and from the wrapping machine is very laborious and complex, since it requires the movement of the wrapping machine, in particular of the ring or the rotating arm that support the winding unit. Furthermore, the coupling means, which is necessary to fix the unwinding unit to the wrapping machine, is complex and expensive, since, beside allowing a reversible coupling for the mounting and dismantling, they have to ensure a firm and reliable locking of the unwinding unit to the machine, even for high rotation speeds of the latter.

Each unwinding unit comprises, beside the film reel and the pre-stretching and unwinding rollers, the motor(s) necessary for driving the pre-stretching rollers. The unwinding unit further comprises suitable connectors, which are suitable to engage on complementary connectors that are provided for on the wrapping machine to receive supply energy and control signals for the driving motors of the pre-stretching rollers.

A drawback of the above-mentioned replacement systems is their high cost, since the above-mentioned unwinding units equipped with of film reel, motors, and pre-stretching and winding rollers, are very expensive, and they are necessary for at least two unwinding units in order to allows for their rapid replacement and a short downtime of the wrapping machine.

An object of the invention is to improve the known apparatuses and methods to replace an unwinding unit in a wrapping machine.

Another object is to carry out an apparatus and a method that allow replacing in an automatic, rapid, and efficient manner an unwinding unit in a wrapping machine, in particular of the type with a rotating ring or arm, or of the rotating platform type.

A further object is to obtain an apparatus that is compact and has reduced dimensions, such as not to limit in any manner the operation of the wrapping machine and to allow the mounting of optional units and/or accessories.

Another further object is to make an apparatus that allows replacing a plurality of unwinding units to enable the wrapping machine to operate in a completely automatized manner, without requiring the intervention of operators.

Still another object is to carry out an apparatus and a method that allow reversibly mounting and locking in a firm and reliable manner the unwinding unit to the wrapping machine.

A still further object is to make a wrapping machine provided with an apparatus that allows replacing an unwinding unit in an automatic, rapid, and efficient manner.

Another object is to make a film unwinding apparatus that is removably associable to a wrapping machine and that allows replacing an unwinding unit in an automatic, rapid, and efficient manner.

Another further object is to make an unwinding apparatus that allows performing different types of winding of the film around the rollers, which provide for the unwinding and pre-stretching of said film.

Still another object is to obtain an unwinding apparatus that is compact and inexpensive.

In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for replacing an unwinding unit of a wrapping machine according to claim 1.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for replacing an unwinding unit of a wrapping machine according to claim 17.

In a third aspect of the invention, a wrapping machine according to claim 18 is provided.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, an unwinding apparatus according to claim 19 is provided.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a wrapping machine according to claim 30 is provided.

The invention will be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for replacing an unwinding unit associated to an horizontal rotating ring wrapping machine;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus and the wrapping machine of FIG. 1 in combination with a load to be wrapped in different successive positions;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus and the wrapping machine of FIG. 1 in a wrapping procedure of a load with a film;

FIGS. 4 to 10 are complete or partial perspective views of the apparatus and the wrapping machine of FIG. 1 in successive operating steps of a replacement procedure of an unwinding unit;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary and partial perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating shuttle means that is movable along guiding means and supporting an unwinding unit;

FIG. 11 a is a partial and enlarged view of the apparatus of FIG. 11, illustrating an upper portion of the unwinding unit;

FIG. 12 is a partial and enlarged perspective view of the wrapping machine of FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the unwinding unit and a corresponding supporting unit mutually spaced apart;

FIG. 12 a is a partial and enlarged view of the apparatus of FIG. 12, illustrating in particular the supporting unit;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views from the top and bottom, respectively, of the unwinding unit and the supporting unit of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views from the bottom and top, respectively, of a first driven shuttle of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with transferring means in a closed position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the first driven shuttle of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the first driven shuttle of FIG. 15, with the transferring means in an extended position;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a version of the apparatus for replacing unwinding units of the invention, which is associated to a rotating platform wrapping machine;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of another version of the apparatus for replacing unwinding units of the invention, which is associated to a rotating platform wrapping machine with tilted column;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views from the bottom and top, respectively, of a second driven shuttle of the version of the apparatus of FIG. 20 with respective transferring means in a closed condition;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the second driven shuttle of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the second driven shuttle of FIG. 21, with respective transferring means in an extended condition;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an apparatus of the invention associated to a wrapping machine provided with two rotating arms;

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the unwinding apparatus of the invention associated to a wrapping machine, partially illustrated, and comprising an unwinding unit and a supporting unit in a detached configuration;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the unwinding apparatus of FIG. 26 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary and partial perspective view of the unwinding unit of the apparatus of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a partial and enlarged perspective view of the supporting unit of the apparatus of FIG. 26, fixed to a rotating ring of the wrapping machine;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan views from the top and the bottom, respectively, of the unwinding unit and the supporting unit of the apparatus of FIG. 26 in a mounting step;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are plan views from the top and side, respectively, of the unwinding apparatus of the invention associated to a horizontal rotating ring wrapping machine;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the apparatus and the machine of FIG. 32, in which some details have been removed, and in a replacement step of an unwinding unit;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary and partial perspective view of an unwinding unit of a version of the unwinding apparatus of FIG. 26;

FIG. 36 is a partial and enlarged perspective view of the supporting unit, fixed to a rotating ring of the wrapping machine, of the version of the unwinding apparatus of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a partial and enlarged perspective view of the unwinding apparatus of FIGS. 35 and 36, illustrating in particular first transmission means and second transmission means;

FIG. 38 is a plan view of another version of the unwinding apparatus associated to a rotating table wrapping machine;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a further version of the unwinding apparatus of the invention, associated to a double rotating arm wrapping machine.

With reference to the FIGS. 1 to 3, there is illustrated the apparatus 1 according to the invention, arranged for changing unwinding units 50 of, and associated to, a wrapping machine 10 for wrapping a load L with a film 4 of extensible plastic material.

The apparatus 1 of the invention comprises at least one unwinding unit 50, a supporting unit 60 associable to the wrapping machine 10, and shuttle means 11, 12 for moving the unwinding unit.

The wrapping machine 10 is, for example, provided with a horizontal ring 101, which is rotating around a vertical wrapping axis Z, and which is vertically movable so as to wrap with helical coils or bands of film 4 the load L. To this aim, the ring 101 is rotatably supported by a sliding frame (not illustrated) that is linearly movable along a vertical movement direction that is substantially parallel to the above-mentioned wrapping axis Z. On the ring 101, a supporting unit 60 is fixed, to which an unwinding unit 50 of the film 4 can be reversibly coupled. The ring 101 and the sliding frame act as first movement means 100 arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

The unwinding unit 50, described more in detail in the following of the description, comprises a reel 3 of film 4 and roller means 55, 56, 57 arranged for unwinding and pre-stretching the film 4.

The unwinding unit 50 further comprises first coupling means 58 arranged to engage second coupling means 68 provided on the supporting unit 60; the first coupling means 58 and the second coupling means 68 is mutually couplable or uncouplable along a substantially horizontal operating direction T, as better explained in the following of the description.

The apparatus 1 comprises shuttle means 11, 12 suitable to house at least one unwinding unit 50 to be replaced and dismantled from the wrapping machine 10, and/or suitable for supporting at least one new or replacement unwinding unit 50 to be mounted on the wrapping machine 10. The shuttle means 11, 12 operates, acts, and in particular further moves along the substantially horizontal operating direction T so as to dismantle from the wrapping machine 10, and therefore receive, an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, and so as to transfer and mount a new unwinding unit 50 on the wrapping machine 10, when the latter is located in a replacement configuration G.

The shuttle means 11, 12 comprises to this aim transferring means 15 suitable for receiving and supporting at least one unwinding unit 50, and movable between a retracted position D1 and an extended position D2 along the operating direction T so as to allow the shuttle means 11, 12 selectively to dismantle and receive an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced or transfer and mount a new unwinding unit 50.

The operating direction T along which the transferring means 15 is moved is substantially radial to a circular wrapping trajectory of the film 4 around the load L.

The shuttle means 11, 12 is also movable along a path P between a first operating position F1 in which they dismantle and receive from the wrapping machine 10 an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced (FIGS. 4, 5, 6), a second operating position F2, in which they transfer and assemble a new unwinding unit 50 on the wrapping machine 10 (FIGS. 7, 8, 9), and a non-operating position N1, in which they are outside a working zone W of the wrapping machine 10 in order to not interfere with the operation of the latter (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10).

To this aim, the shuttle means 11, 12 comprises actuating means 19 that is able to move the shuttle means 11, 12 along the path P.

The shuttle means 11, 12 can further comprise braking means to stop the above-mentioned shuttle means 11, 12 at least in the operating positions F1, F2 and in the non-operating position N1.

The operating direction T is transversal, in particular orthogonal, to the path P.

The shuttle means 11, 12 comprises at least one shuttle provided with respective actuating means 19 for the movement along the path P and arranged for supporting at least one unwinding unit 50.

Preferably, the shuttle means comprises a plurality of shuttles 11, 12 connectable to one another so as to form at least one convoy 5 of shuttles. At least one shuttle of said plurality of shuttles is provided with respective actuating means 19 to move the convoy 5. Each shuttle of the shuttle means comprises respective transferring means 15 for supporting and moving at least one respective unwinding unit 50.

With reference to the FIGS. 1 to 10, in the embodiment illustrated only by way of non-limiting example, the shuttle means comprises a pair of shuttles 11, 12, each of which being arranged for receiving a respective unwinding unit 50 and provided with respective transferring means 15. At least one of the two shuttles, defined for sake of convenience driving shuttle 12, is provided with actuating means 19 that allow the controlled movement thereof (at least for position and speed) along the path P. The remaining shuttle 11, which is not provided with actuating means 19, a so-called driven shuttle 11 for sake of convenience, is interconnected to the driving shuttle 12. The driving shuttle 12 and the driven shuttle 11 are mutually connectable to form a convoy 5 of shuttles that is movable along the path P.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the apparatus, the shuttle means can comprise two or more driving shuttles 12.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus, which is not illustrated, the shuttle means can comprise a driving shuttle 12 and a plurality of driven shuttles 11 connected thereto to form a convoy of shuttles suitable for housing a plurality of new unwinding units 50 to be then mounted on the wrapping machine to allow the latter to operate in a completely automatized manner, without intervention of operators, for prolonged work shifts.

In a still another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, which is not illustrated, the shuttle means comprises only one shuttle provided with the actuating means and transferring means suitable for receiving and supporting one or more unwinding units 50.

In another further version, the shuttle means comprises a plurality of driving shuttles 12 and a plurality of driven shuttles 11 mutually connected so as to form a plurality of convoys 5.

Each shuttle 11, 12 of the shuttle means comprises hooking means for the connection with at least one adjacent shuttle to form a convoy of shuttles. The hooking means can be fixed, for example, screwable brackets or plates, or movable, in particular, selectively actuatable in order to engage or disengage with respective hooking means of an adjacent shuttle so as to mutually connect or disconnect the shuttles and form or dismantle, respectively, a convoy of shuttles.

The apparatus comprises guiding means 2 for slideably supporting the shuttle means 11, 12 along the path P. The guiding means 2 substantially comprises a beam, in particular with a closed cross section, to which the shuttle means 11, 12 is connected, and along which they can slide.

The guiding means 2 passes through the working zone W of the wrapping machine 10 and is substantially rectilinear and parallel to an advancing direction V of the load L in the wrapping machine 10.

Alternatively, the guiding means 2 can be curved and comprises at least one rectilinear portion at least at the two operating positions F1, F2.

As illustrated in the FIGS. 15 to 18, the shuttle 11 devoid of the actuating means, the so-called driven shuttle 11, comprises a carriage 13 provided with sliding wheels 14 and configured to engage and slide on the guiding means 2. The transferring means is slideably connected to the carriage 13, the transferring means substantially comprising a transferring platform 15 that is fixed by telescopic guides 18 to end portions of the above-mentioned carriage 13 so as to be movable between the retracted position D1 and the extended position D2 along the operating direction T.

Actuating means 16 is provided for moving the above-mentioned transferring platform 15 along the operating direction T. The actuating means 16 includes, for example, a pneumatic or electric linear actuator.

The transferring platform is provided with stopping means 17 arranged for engaging with the unwinding unit 50 when the latter is located on the platform and to prevent undesired movements thereof on a plane parallel to the above-mentioned platform and orthogonal to the wrapping axis Z. The stopping means 17 comprises, for example, a plurality of pins suitable to engage respective holes provided for on a lower portion of each unwinding unit 50.

The shuttle 12 provided with actuating means, the so-called driving shuttle, is substantially identical to the driven shuttle 11, from which it differs in that it is provided with the actuating means 19 that allows the movement thereof along the guiding means 2. The actuating means 19 includes, for example, an electric motor fixed to the carriage 13, which rotate a gearwheel engaged with a rack fixed to the guiding means 2.

Alternatively, the electric motor of the actuating means 19 can drive a pulley or a gearwheel that is able of coupling to fixed belt or chain transmission systems of the guiding means 2 so as to move the first driving shuttle 12.

Still alternatively, the actuating means of the driving shuttle 12 can comprise coupling means to belt or chain transmission systems movable along the path P by a motor, for example an electric motor, which is associated to the guiding means 2. The actuating means can be activated or deactivated for connecting or disconnected the first driving shuttle 12 to/from the above-mentioned transmission systems and to enable the shuttle to move or stop.

With particular reference to the FIGS. 12 to 14, each unwinding unit 50 includes a supporting structure 51 suitable for supporting at least one reel 3 of film 4, and roller means 55, 56, 57 suitable for unwinding and pre-stretching said film. The supporting structure 51 includes, in particular, an upper portion 52 and a lower portion 53 formed by respective plates interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of cross beams 54. To the upper plate 52 and the lower plate 53, the reel 3 of film 4, a pair of pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and one or more diverting or idle rollers 57 are rotatably connected. The pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 are rotated by driving means provided on the supporting unit 60.

The unwinding unit 50 is further provided with gripping means 59 suitable for retaining an initial flap of film 4 that is unwound from the reel 3 and wound around the pre-stretching 55, 56 and idle 57 rollers. The so-retained initial flap can be easily gripped by further gripping means of a known type that are mounted on the wrapping machine 10, in particular associated to its frame.

As set forth above, the unwinding unit 50 comprises first coupling means 58 arranged for engaging with a second coupling means 68 of the supporting unit 60, the first coupling means 58 and the second coupling means 68 being mutually couplable or uncouplable along the operating direction T, which is substantially horizontal, transversal to the path P, and substantially radial with respect to the wrapping axis Z.

The first coupling means comprises one or more rails 58, for example four, arranged for being slideably inserted into, and engaged with, respective seats 68 of the second coupling means. The rails 58 have, for example, a T-shaped section, and have a front portion 58 a that is tapered to allow an easy insertion and a proper centering and positioning in the corresponding seat 68 (FIG. 11 a). The latter is provided with horizontal and vertical idle wheels 69, to allow for the sliding and centering of the respective rail 58 (FIG. 12 a). The seats 68 act, in this manner, as self-centering sliding blocks for the respective rails 58.

The first coupling means 58 is associated to an upper portion 52 of the supporting structure 51, while the second coupling means 68 is associated to a lower portion 63 of the supporting unit 60. In particular, the rails 58 are fixed to an outer face of the upper plate 52, whilst the seats 68 are fixed to a respective lower plate 63 of the supporting unit 60.

The seats 68 are provided with abutting means (not shown), which allow stopping the further insertion and sliding of the rails 58, to stop the unwinding unit 50 in a coupling position B with respect to the supporting unit 60.

With reference to the configuration of apparatus and ring wrapping machine set forth in the FIGS. 1 to 14, it is suitable to point out that the first coupling means 58 is insertable in the second coupling means 68 up to the coupling position B, in which said supporting unit 60 is engaged with and completely supported to said unwinding unit 50, along the operating direction T and with the advancing direction directed from rotational axis (the wrapping axis Z of the unwinding unit 50 around the load L) outwardly, i.e. with a direction that is in accordance with a centrifugal force acting on the unwinding unit 50 when the latter rotates around the load L. Owing to the configuration of the coupling means 58, 68, therefore, it is the same centrifugal force that keeps the unwinding units 50 properly assembled and connected in the coupling position B to the supporting unit 60. In other terms, during the operation of the wrapping machine, it is the rotation of the ring 101 that prevent the unwinding unit 50 from accidentally disengaging and being disconnected from the supporting unit, i.e. from the machine, this considerably increasing the safety of the machine.

Owing to the apparatus of the invention it is thus possible to mount and lock in a reversible, and at the same time safe and reliable manner the unwinding unit to the wrapping machine.

For a higher safety, also locking means 179 can be provided, which is arranged for locking the unwinding unit 50 to the supporting unit 60 in the coupling position B. The locking means 179 comprises a pair of locking pins 171 linearly driven by respective electro-magnets 172 and arranged to engage in corresponding openings 173 arranged on the upper plate 52 of the unwinding unit 50 so as to lock the reciprocal movement of the unwinding unit 50 with respect to the supporting unit 60 in the operating direction T, in particular in a direction not in accordance with that of the centrifugal force (disconnecting direction).

With reference to FIG. 12 a, the driving means of the supporting unit 60, which is arranged to rotate the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 of the unwinding unit 50, comprises a first flexible element 75, for example a first toothed belt 75, and a second flexible element 76, for example a second toothed belt 76, arranged to be abutted and engaged respectively by a first coupling pulley or gearwheel 77 of the first pre-stretching roller 55 and by a second coupling pulley or gearwheel 78 of the second pre-stretching roller 56. The toothed belts 75, 76 of the driving means can be driven by at least one motor arranged on the supporting unit 60 or located on a frame of the wrapping machine and connected to the driving means by motion transmission systems of a known type.

Alternatively, the driving motor or motors of the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 can be provided directly on the unwinding unit, the supporting unit being in this case not provided with driving means and optionally provided with electrical power supply means of the above-mentioned motors. Versions of the apparatus with this type of solution are illustrated in the FIGS. 19 to 25 described herein below.

FIGS. 1 to 10 illustrate successive steps of a replacement or change procedure of an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, mounted on board of the wrapping machine 10, with a new or replacement unwinding unit 50 located on the shuttle means 11, 12.

In an initial step, the shuttle means 11, 12 from the non-operating position N1, outside the working zone W of the wrapping machine 10 to allow the free operation of the latter during the wrapping of the load, is moved in the first operating position F1 within the working zone W (FIG. 4). In the first operating position F1 the free shuttle, i.e. not provided with a new or replacement unwinding unit 50 (the driven shuttle 11 in the illustrated example) is precisely under the rotating ring 101, the transferring means 15 being in the extended position D2 to receive the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced. To this aim, the machine is arranged in the replacement configuration G with the rotating ring 101 vertically lowered and so as to rest the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced on the platform of the transferring means 15 of the driven shuttle 11 (FIG. 5). The stopping means 17 engages the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced so that the movement of the platform of the transferring means 15 in the retracted position D1 allows disengaging and dismantling the above-mentioned unwinding unit 50 to be replaced from the supporting unit 60 fixed to the rotating ring 101 (FIG. 6). To this aim, the locking means 179 is disengaged from the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced to allow the first coupling means 58 sliding in the operating direction T, from the outside inwardly with reference to the rotating ring 101, and disengaging from the second coupling means 68.

Since in the retracted position D1 of the shuttle means 11, 12, the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced is disconnected and spaced apart from the supporting unit 60, the shuttle means 11, 12 can be moved in the second operating position F2, at which the shuttle provided with unwinding units 50 (the driving shuttle 12 in the illustrated example) is at the supporting unit 60 (FIG. 7). At this point, the transferring means 15 of the driving shuttle 12 is moved to the extended position D2 to mount the new unwinding unit 50 on the supporting unit 60 (FIG. 8). More precisely, the first coupling means 58 (rails) is slideably inserted in the second coupling means 68 (seats with rollers). In the extended position D2 of the transferring means 15, the unwinding unit 50 is, with respect to the supporting unit 60, in the coupling position B. The locking means 179 can be thus driven for locking the unwinding unit 50 to the supporting unit 60.

At this point, the rotating ring 101 is vertically moved so as to disengage the unwinding unit 50 just mounted from the stopping means 17 of the driving shuttle 12. The shuttle means 11, 12 is thus moved, simultaneously with the rotating ring 101, along the path P, from the second operating position F2 to the non-operating position N1, outside the working zone to allow the wrapping machine carrying out the wrapping cycles of the load.

Owing to the apparatus of the invention, it is thus possible to replace in an automatic, rapid, and efficient manner an unwinding unit in a wrapping machine, without any interventions by operators.

Furthermore, the wrapping machine provided with the apparatus of the invention can operate in a completely automatized manner, without the intervention of operators, for prolonged work shifts, since the shuttle means can support, and therefore replace, a plurality of unwinding units.

Furthermore, the mounting/dismantling procedure of the unwinding unit on/from the wrapping machine is easy and rapid, and it does not require the movement of the rotating ring 101 of the wrapping machine, which only has to be arranged in the replacement configuration G. This allows reducing the replacement times.

Another advantage of the apparatus 1 is that the guiding means 2, which pass through the working zone W of the wrapping machine 10 parallel to an advancing direction V of the load, beside allowing the shuttle means 11, 12 reaching the operating positions F1, F2 for the easy replacement of the unwinding units 50, 50, allow limiting, and substantially keeping unaltered, the overall dimensions of the machine compared to the known wrapping machines that are provided with apparatuses for the replacement of the film reel or the unwinding unit. Furthermore, in the non-operating position N1, the shuttle means 11, 12 is external to the working zone W so as not to limit in any manner the operability of the wrapping machine, as well as not to prevent the assembling and operation of optional units and/or accessories.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for replacing unwinding units of the invention, associated to a wrapping machine 10 of the rotating platform type. In this wrapping machine 10, the supporting unit 60 is mounted on a first wrapping carriage 201 that is vertically movable along a fixed first column 202. The first wrapping carriage 201 and the first column 202 act as second movement means 200 arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

The shuttle means 11, 12 is arranged for dismantling and receiving from the wrapping machine 10 an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, and then transferring and mounting a new replacement unwinding unit 50 on said wrapping machine 10. The shuttle means 11, 12 is movable along the guiding means 2 that defines the path P and which is interposed between the first column 202, and the unwinding unit 50, and a first rotating table 203 supporting and rotating the load L. The guiding means 2 is substantially rectilinear and parallel to an advancing direction V of the load L through the working area W of the wrapping machine 10.

The unwinding unit 50 differs from the unwinding unit disclosed above in that it comprises, besides the film reel and the pre-stretching and idle rollers, a first motor 255 suitable to rotate pre-stretching rollers. In this embodiment of the apparatus 10, the supporting unit 60 is not provided with mechanical driving means of the pre-stretching rollers, but comprises connecting means, of a known type and not shown, to provide to the unwinding unit 50, and in particular to the first motor 255, signals and controls, electric power, pneumatic energy.

The replacement or change procedure of the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, mounted on board of the wrapping machine 10, with the new unwinding unit 50, located on the shuttle means 11, 12, is substantially identical to the procedure illustrated above with reference to the embodiment set forth in the FIGS. 1 to 10. In this case, the supporting unit 60 is mounted on the wrapping carriage 201 sliding along the first column 202 in the replacement configuration G to allow the shuttle means 11, 12 replacing the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced and mounting the new unwinding unit 50.

FIG. 20 illustrates another version of the apparatus 1 to replace unwinding units of the invention, associated to a wrapping machine 10 of the rotating platform type and provided with a fixed second column 302, arranged adjacent to a second rotating table 303 and tilted relative to the advancing direction V of the load L through the machine. More precisely, the second column 302 is located in plan view so that a vertical plane H passing through a longitudinal axis thereof, and through the wrapping axis Z, is tilted by an angle □. that is not a right angle, relative to the above-mentioned advancing direction V.

The second column 302 slideably supports a second wrapping carriage 301, to which the supporting unit 60, to which the unwinding unit 50 is reversibly mounted, is fixed.

The second wrapping carriage 301 and the second column 302 act as third movement means 300 arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

In this embodiment of the apparatus, the guiding means 2 along which the shuttle means slide, is substantially rectilinear and parallel to the advancing direction V and, furthermore, it is external to the second column 302 and do not pass through the working area W of the wrapping machine 10.

The shuttle means further comprises shuttles 21, 22 differing from the shuttles of the embodiments described before in that the corresponding transferring means 15 is movable along the operating direction T that is tilted with respect to the path P defined by the guiding means 2 by the same angle □ of the vertical plane H, in order to allow dismantling and mounting of the unwinding units 50.

In particular, with reference to the FIGS. 21 to 24, the further shuttle that is not provided with actuating means, the so-called further driven shuttle 11, includes a further carriage 23 slideably supporting the respective transferring platform of the transferring means 15 that is fixed, by telescopic guides 18, to tilted end portions of the above-mentioned carriage 23, so as to be movable between the retracted position D1 and the extended position D2 along the tilted operating direction T. Respective actuating means 16 is provided for moving the above-mentioned transferring platform 15 along the operating direction T. The transferring platform is provided with respective stopping means 17 arranged for engaging the unwinding unit 50 when the latter is located on the platform.

The further carriage 23 is provided with sliding wheels 14 to engage and slide on the guiding means 2.

The further shuttle provided with actuating means, the so-called further driving shuttle 22, is substantially identical to the further driven shuttle 21, from which it differs in that it is, in fact, provided with respective actuating means 19 that allow the movement thereof along the guiding means 2.

The unwinding unit 50 is provided in this embodiment with a pair of second motors 355 suitable for moving the pre-stretching rollers separately and independently. In this embodiment of the apparatus 1, the supporting unit 60 is not provided with mechanical actuating means of the pre-stretching rollers, but it comprises connecting means, of a known type and not shown, to provide signals and controls, electric power, pneumatic energy to the unwinding unit 50, and in particular to the second motors 355.

The replacement procedure of the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, mounted on board of the wrapping machine 10, with the new unwinding unit 50, located on the shuttle means 21, 22, is substantially identical to the procedure previously disclosed with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19. The supporting unit 60 is mounted on the second wrapping carriage 301 that slides along the second column 302 in the replacement configuration G to allow dismantling and mounting of the unwinding units 50.

It is suitable to point out that the apparatus of the invention can be also associated to a wrapping machine having a platform particularly compact. In this case, the guiding means to not interfere with the operation of the machine is arranged externally to the working zone W, at a distance that allows in any case dismantling/mounting the unwinding units.

FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of the apparatus 1 to replace unwinding units of the invention, associated to a wrapping machine 10 of the double rotating arm type. In this wrapping machine, each supporting unit 60 is mounted on a third wrapping carriage 401 that is vertically movable along a respective vertical arm 402, the latter being fixed to a rotary cross beam 404 so as to rotate around the wrapping axis Z and the load L.

The third carriages 401, the vertical arms 402, and the rotary cross beam 404 act as fourth movement means 400, arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

To allow the simultaneous replacement of the two unwinding units 50 mounted on the two vertical arms 402, the apparatus 1 comprises guiding means 2 comprising two beams along which respective shuttle means 11, 12 moves, which is arranged for dismantling from the wrapping machine 10 and for receiving an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, and for transferring and mounting a new unwinding unit 50 on said wrapping machine 10. The beams of the guiding means 2 are substantially rectilinear, mutually parallel and parallel to an advancing direction V of the load L, and arranged at the sides of supporting and advancing means 403 of the load L.

The unwinding units 50 are provided with a pair of third motors 455 for driving separately and independently the pre-stretching rollers.

The shuttle means 11, 12 is substantially similar to those described before, in particular, it differs from the embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. 15 to 18 in that it further comprises transferring means 45 having different dimensions and shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the shuttle means provided on respective beams of the guiding means 2 comprises a plurality of shuttles 11, 12 forming two distinct convoys. In particular, the shuttle means comprises a first pair of shuttles 11, 12 (driving shuttle 12 and driven shuttle 11) that forms a convoy 5 of shuttles, and a second pair of shuttles 11, 12 (driving shuttle 12 and driven shuttle 11) that forms a further convoy 6 of shuttles. Each convoy 5, 6 is driveable in an independent manner along a respective beam of the guiding means 2. In this manner, it is possible to provide up to three unwinding units 50 available for the mounting on the machine, to allow the latter to operate in a completely automatized manner, without the intervention of operators, for prolonged work shifts.

The replacement procedure of the unwinding units 50 to be replaced, mounted on the vertical arms 402 of the wrapping machine 10, with the new unwinding units 50, located on the shuttle means 11, 12, is substantially similar to the procedure disclosed for the rotating ring wrapping machine set forth in the FIGS. 1 to 10. In this case, in the replacement configuration G of the wrapping machine 10, the two rotating arms 402 are located above the respective guiding means 2 to allow the shuttle means 11, 12 in the respective first operating positions to dismantle the unwinding units 50 to be replaced from the supporting units 60.

With reference to the FIGS. 26 to 34, an unwinding apparatus 30 according to the invention is illustrated, which can be associated to a wrapping machine 10 arranged for wrapping or binding a load L with a film 4 of extensible plastic material. The wrapping machine 10 is, for example, of the horizontal rotating ring type, i.e. provided with a horizontal ring 101, which is rotating around a vertical wrapping axis Z, and which is vertically movable so as to wrap the load L with helical strips or bands of film 4 (FIG. 32). To this aim, the ring 101 is rotatably supported by frame means of said machine, comprising a sliding frame (not illustrated) that is linearly movable along a movement direction that is vertical and substantially parallel to the wrapping axis Z.

The unwinding apparatus 30 comprises a supporting unit 60 that is fixed to the ring 101, and an unwinding unit 50 provided with a reel 3 of the film 4, and which is removably or in reversibly couplable to said supporting unit 60, in an assembled configuration A (FIG. 27). The ring 101 and the sliding frame act as movement means 100 arranged for moving the unwinding apparatus 30 with respect to the load L.

The unwinding unit 50 comprises, besides the reel 3 of film 4, roller means 55, 56, 57 arranged for unwinding and pre-stretching the film 4. The roller means includes, in particular, a first pre-stretching roller 55 and a second pre-stretching roller 56 for unwinding the film 4 from the reel 3 and pre-stretching or elongating it by a preset amount or percentage. The roller means further comprises one or more guide or idle rollers 57 for guiding the film 4 from the reel 3 to the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and from the latter towards the load L to be wrapped.

As illustrated in detail in FIG. 31, the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and the guide rollers 57 are arranged on the winding unit 50 so as to carry out a winding of the film 4 of the so-called “S” type. Such type of “S” winding allows having, on the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56, a winding angle of the film very large, greater than 180°, in particular greater than 270°. Large winding angles of the film 4 on the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 allow optimizing the carrying out of the pre-stretching or elongation operation of the film, particularly, they allow implementing high pre-stretch values, limiting a reduction in the height or width of the film band, and generally obtaining a better quality of the film 4.

The pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and the guide rollers 57 can be arranged on the winding unit 50 so as to implement other winding types of the film 4, for example, of the so-called “W” type.

The supporting unit 60 is provided with driving means 70 to drive the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 in the assembled configuration A and in an operating condition of the wrapping machine 10, that is, during the wrapping of the load L. In particular, the driving means 70 is configured to rotate the first pre-stretching roller 55 and the second pre-stretching roller 56 in a separated and independent manner.

The unwinding unit 50, as better explained in the following of the description, can be easily and quickly dismantled from the supporting unit 60 (typically, in the case of exhaustion or breakage or damage or jamming of the film) and replaced by an identical unwinding unit 50, but provided with a new film reel, one initial flap of which is properly wound on the roller means and ready to start the wrapping.

The unwinding unit 50 includes a supporting structure 51 suitable for supporting the reel 3 of film 4, and the roller means 55, 56, 57. The supporting structure 51 includes, in particular, an upper portion 52 and a lower portion 53, formed by respective plates that are interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of cross beams 54. The reel 3 of film 4, the pair of pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and one or more guide or idler rollers 57 are rotatably connected to the upper plate 52 and the lower plate 53.

The first pre-stretching roller 55 and the second pre-stretching roller 56 are further fixed in an adjustable manner to the supporting structure 51, so as to allow varying an interaxis H thereof (FIGS. 30 and 31). To this aim, the upper plate 52 and the lower plate 53 are provided with respective through slots 52 a, 53 a for an adjustable fixing of the above-mentioned pre-stretching rollers 54, 55.

Therefore, the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention allows adjusting the interaxis H between the two pre-stretching rollers 54, 55 so as to carry out an optimal unwinding and pre-stretching of the film 4 as a function of different characteristics of the film and operating requirements, such as, for example, the type of the material, the thickness, the height of the film, the diameter of the pre-stretching rollers, the covering factor of the film, the unwinding speed of the film, the pre-stretch percentage, the dimensions and shape of the load to be wrapped, etc.

The suitable value of the interaxis H between the two rollers can be determined by suitable tests and trials.

The unwinding unit 50 is further provided with gripping means 59 to retain an initial flap of film 4 unwound from the reel 3 and wound around the pre-stretching 55, 56 and guide 57 rollers. The so-retained initial flap can be easily gripped by further gripping means of a known type that are mounted on the wrapping machine 10, in particular, associated to the frame of the latter.

The unwinding unit 50 comprises first coupling means 58 arranged to engage second coupling means 68 of the supporting unit 60, the first coupling means 58 and the second coupling means 68 being mutually couplable or uncouplable along the operating direction T, which is substantially horizontal.

The first coupling means comprise a plurality of rails 58, for example, three, arranged for being slideably inserted in, and engaged with, respective seats 68 of the second coupling means. The latter ones is provided with horizontal and vertical idle wheels 69, to allow the sliding and centering of the respective rail 58. In this way, the seats 68 act as self-centering sliding blocks for the respective rails 58.

The first coupling means 58 is associated to the upper plate 52 of the supporting structure 51, while the second coupling means 68 is associated to a lower portion 63 of the supporting unit 60. In particular, the rails 58 are fixed to an outer face of the upper plate 52, while the seats 68 are fixed to a respective lower plate 63 of the supporting unit 60.

The seats 68 are provided with abutting means (not shown), which allow stopping the further inserting and sliding of the rails 58, to stop the unwinding unit 50 in a coupling position with respect to the supporting unit 60.

The first coupling means 58 is insertable into the second coupling means 68 up to a complete coupling in the assembled configuration A along the operating direction T and with an advancing direction directed from the rotating axis (the wrapping axis Z of the unwinding unit 50 around the load L) outwardly, i.e. with a direction in accordance with the centrifugal force acting on the unwinding unit 50 when the latter is rotating around the load L. Owing to the configuration of the coupling means 58, 68, it is therefore the same centrifugal force that keeps the unwinding unit 50 properly assembled and connected to the supporting unit 60.

Therefore, the apparatus of the invention allows mounting and locking in a reversible and, at the same time, safe and reliable manner the unwinding unit 50 to the wrapping machine.

For a higher safety, locking means is provided, which is not shown in the figures, acting transversally to the direction T, in particular vertically, to lock the rails 58 in the seats 68 and, therefore, the unwinding unit 50 to the supporting unit 60 in the assembled configuration A.

With particular reference to the FIGS. 26 to 34, the driving means 70 associated to the supporting unit 60 comprises motor means 81, 82 and first transmission means 71 driven by the motor means 81, 82 and arranged for engaging and actuating second transmission means 72 of the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56.

With particular reference to the FIGS. 28 and 29, the first transmission means 71 comprises a first flexible element 75 and a second flexible element 76, for example, a pair of belts with double teeth or a pair of chains, each flexible elements 75, 76 being driveable separately and independently from the motor means 81, 82. The second transmission means 72 comprises a first coupling wheel 77 and a second coupling wheel 78, in particular, a pair of pulleys or gearwheels, associated to the first pre-stretching roller 55 and the second pre-stretching roller 56, respectively. In the assembled configuration A, each flexible elements 75, 76 is arranged to engage and rotate the respective coupling wheel 77, 78.

In this way, the motor means 81, 81 can rotate the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56. The length of the flexible elements 75, 76 is such as to ensure the engagement with the coupling wheels 77, 78 for any value of the interaxis H of the pre-stretching rollers 54, 55.

Each flexible element 75, 76 is supported and moved by a respective pair of support wheels 74, 79, one of which is idle (idle support wheel 74), and the other one is motorized (motorized support wheel 79). The support wheels 74, 79 comprise pulleys or gearwheels. The motorized support wheels 79 are rotated by the motor means 81, 82 comprising at least one rotating electric motor located on the supporting unit 60 or fixed to the sliding frame of the wrapping machine 10.

In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. 26 to 34, the motor means comprises a first motor 81 and a second motor 82 that are fixed to the sliding frame of the wrapping machine and connected to the first transmission means 71 by third transmission means 73. The latter one comprises, for example, a first further flexible element 85 and a second further flexible element 86, for example a pair of toothed belts or a pair of chains, driven by the first motor 81 and the second motor 82, respectively, and driving, by suitable idle and transmission elements, the respective motorized support wheels 79 of the first transmission means 71. Such transmission system is disclosed in the international patent application WO2008/007189 filed by the same Applicant.

The two motors 81, 82, while being fixed to the sliding frame and, therefore, not being fixed to the rotating ring 101, can in this way drive in an independent manner the respective pre-stretching rollers 55, 54, thus allowing varying the rotation speeds of the latter and, in particular, the pre-stretch ratio, also during the operation of the wrapping machine.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the motor means of the driving means 70 comprises only one motor arranged on the sliding frame and actuating both the pre-stretching rollers 54, 55 by the third transmission means. In this embodiment, the third transmission means comprises known means to transmit the rotation with different speeds to the two pre-stretching rollers 55, 56.

Owing to the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention, it is thus possible to dismantle in a rapid and easy manner an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced (in the case of exhaustion or breakage or damage or jamming of the film) and to replace it with an identical unwinding unit 50, but provided with a new film reel, an initial flap of which is properly wound on the roller means and ready to start the wrapping. Since the driving means 70 is provided on the supporting unit 60 fixed to the machine, each unwinding unit 50 (comprising only the film reel and the pre-stretching and guide rollers) is relatively inexpensive and easy to be made. At the same time, since the above-mentioned unwinding unit 50 comprises all the pre-stretching and guide rollers around which the initial film flap retained by the gripping means 59 is wound, the proper automatic start of the wrapping procedure is always ensured.

The pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 and the guide rollers 57 can be arranged so as to carry out a winding of the film 4 of the so-called “S” type that allows obtaining on the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 a very wide winding angle, greater than 180°, in particular up to and beyond 270°. High winding angles of the film on the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 allow optimizing the carrying out of pre-stretching or elongating operation of the film, in particular, implementing high pre-stretch values, limiting a height or width reduction of the film band and, in general, obtaining a better quality of the film.

FIGS. 35 to 37 illustrate a version of the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention that differs from the embodiment illustrated above for the transmission means. In fact, the first transmission means 91 of the driving means 70 comprises a pair of movable members 95, 96, configured for engaging and moving a pair of follower members 97, 98 of the second transmission means 92 associated to respective pre-stretching rollers 55, 56 on the unwinding unit 50. In particular, the first transmission means 91 comprises a first movable element 95 and a second movable element 96 driven by the motor means and arranged to drive a first follower member 97 and a second follower member 98, respectively, of the second transmission means 92.

Each movable element 95, 96 comprises a bush of a substantially cylindrical shape, that can be rotated around a respective longitudinal axis by the motor means, and provided with a transversal seat 95 a, 96 a, in particular a substantially diametric through seat, arranged for slideably receiving a coupling portion of the respective follower member 97, 98.

Each follower member 97, 98 comprises an eccentric pin or a crank fixed to an end of a shaft 55 a, 56 a for the support and rotation of the corresponding pre-stretching roller 55, 56, and provided with an eccentric portion 97 a, 98 a that is suitable to engage the transversal seat 95 a, 96 a of the respective bush 95, 96.

In order to simplify, in a mounting step of the unwinding unit 50 on the supporting unit 60, the progressive insertion of the eccentric portions 97 a, 98 a in the respective transversal seats 95 a, 96 a, the latter ones have a tapered side opening or promoting portion 95 b, 96 b being substantially “V”-shaped. Furthermore, the eccentric portions 97 a, 98 a of the follower members 97, 98 are provided with a pair of wheels 99, for example roller bearings, which can slide by rotating on opposite side walls of the transversal seats 95 a, 96 b. In the assembled configuration A, the eccentric portions 97 a, 98 a are completely housed within the transversal seats 95 a, 96 b. The bushes 95, 96, rotated by the motor means around the respective longitudinal axes, impart with the respective transversal seats 95 a, 96 a on the wheels 99, and therefore on the eccentric pins 97, 98, a torque or moment of forces that rotates the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56.

As illustrated in the FIGS. 32 to 34, the wrapping machine 10 can comprise a replacement apparatus 20 capable of automatically replacing an unwinding unit 50 of the unwinding apparatus 30 associated to the above-mentioned machine, in particular, capable of dismantling and receiving, from a supporting unit 60 fixed to the movement means 100 (rotating ring 101), an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced or of transferring and mounting a new or replacement unwinding unit 50 on the supporting unit 60. The supporting unit to be replaced is, for example, a unit having an exhausted film reel 3 or with the above-mentioned film that is broken, damaged, or jammed up. The replacement unwinding unit is an unit provided with a new film reel, in which the initial flap of film 4 unwound from the reel is retained by the gripping means 59 and wound around the pre-stretching 55, 56 and guide 57 rollers.

The replacement apparatus 20 comprises, for example, shuttle means 11, 12 that is movable on guiding means 2 along a path P, and arranged to house at least one unwinding unit 50 to be replaced and to dismantled from the wrapping machine 10 and to support at least one replacement unwinding unit 50 to be mounted on the wrapping machine 10.

The shuttle means 11, 12 comprises transferring means 15 suitable for receiving and supporting at least one unwinding unit 50, and movable between a retracted position and an extended position along the operating direction T so as to allow the shuttle means 11, 12 to selectively dismantle and receive an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced or to transfer and mount a replacement unwinding unit 50.

The operating direction T along which the transferring means 15 is moved is, for example, substantially radial to a circular winding trajectory of the film 4 around the load L and transversal, in particular, orthogonal, to the path P.

The shuttle means comprises a plurality of shuttles 11, 12, for example, two, as in the illustrated embodiment, which are mutually connectable so as to form at least one convoy of shuttles, each shuttle of the shuttle means comprising respective transferring means 15 for supporting and moving at least one respective unwinding unit 50.

Each shuttle 11, 12 comprises a carriage 13 provided with sliding wheels and configured to engage and slide on the guiding means 2. The transferring means are slideably connected to the carriage 13, comprising a transferring platform 15 fixed by means of telescopic guides to end portions of the above-mentioned carriage 13 so as to be movable between the retracted position and the extended position along the operating direction T.

The replacement or changing procedure of an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, mounted on board of the wrapping machine 10, with a replacement unwinding unit 50 located on the shuttle means 11, 12 provides, in an initial step, to move the shuttle means 11, 12 from a non-operating position N1, outside a working zone W of the wrapping machine 10 (FIG. 32), to a first operating position F1 within the working zone W (FIG. 34). In the first operating position F1, the free shuttle is precisely under the rotating ring 101, while the transferring means 15 is in the extended position to receive the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced.

The rotating ring 101 of the wrapping machine 10 is then vertically lowered so as to rest the unwinding unit 50 to be replaced on the platform of the transferring means 15 of the shuttle. The transferring means 15 is then actuated in the retracted position to allow disengaging and dismantling the above-mentioned unwinding unit 50 to be replaced from the supporting unit 60 that is fixed to the rotating ring 101.

The shuttle means 11, 12 is moved to a second operating position, in which the shuttle provided with unwinding units 50 is at the supporting unit 60. At this point, the transferring means 15 of the shuttle 12 is moved in the extended position in order to mount the replacement unwinding unit 50 on the supporting unit 60. More precisely, the first coupling means 58 (rails) is slideably inserted into the second coupling means 68 (seats with rollers). The second transmission means 72 engages the first transmission means 71 to allow, in a successive operating wrapping step, the motor means 81, 82 to rotate the pre-stretching rollers 55, 56. Once the unwinding unit 50 has been mounted on the supporting unit 60, the rotating ring 101 is vertically moved so as to disengage the unwinding unit 50 from the shuttle 12.

Owing to the replacement apparatus 20, it is possible to replace in an automatic, rapid, and efficient manner an unwinding unit 50 in a wrapping machine 10, without any interventions by operators. Furthermore, the wrapping machine 10 provided with the apparatus of the invention 20 can operate in a completely automatized manner, without the intervention of operators, for prolonged work shifts, since the shuttle means 11, 12 can support, and therefore replace, a plurality of unwinding unit 50 arranged on respective shuttles.

It is suitable to point out that, by virtue of their inexpensiveness, a number of substitutive unwinding unit 50 can be provided for, in order to allow prolonged work shifts of the machine, without unduly affecting the whole cost of the machine itself.

FIG. 38 illustrates a embodiment of the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention associated to a wrapping machine 10 of the rotating table, or rotary platform, type. In this wrapping machine 10, the supporting unit 60 of the apparatus 1 is mounted on a first wrapping carriage 201 that is vertically movable along a fixed first column 202, while the load L is rotated around the wrapping axis Z by the rotating table 203 on which it is located. The first wrapping carriage 201 and the first column 202 act as second movement means 200 that is arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

Such embodiment of the unwinding apparatus 30 differs from the above-described embodiment in that the motor means 281 of the driving means 70 comprise a motor mounted on the supporting unit 60. Such motor 281 directly drives the first transmission means 71, which engage and move the second transmission means 72 of the pre-stretching rollers 54, 55.

Also in this case, the wrapping machine 10 is provided with a replacement apparatus 20 comprising shuttle means 11, 12 suitable to dismantle and receive from the wrapping machine 10 an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced, and thus, to transfer and mount a replacement unwinding unit 50 on said wrapping machine 10.

FIG. 39 illustrates a further version of the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention associated to a wrapping machine 10 of the double rotating arm type. In this wrapping machine, two unwinding devices 1 are provided, each of which being associated to a respective rotating arm 402. In particular, the supporting unit 60 of each apparatus 1 is mounted on a third wrapping carriage 401 that is vertically movable along a respective vertical arm 402, the latter being fixed to a rotary cross beam 404, so as to rotate around the wrapping axis and the load L.

The third carriages 401, the vertical arms 402, and the rotary cross beam 404 act as fourth movement means 400 that is arranged for moving the supporting unit 60 and the unwinding unit 50 associated thereto with respect to the load L.

The driving means 70 of each apparatus 1 comprises a pair of motors 481, 482 that are fixed to the respective supporting unit 60 and arranged for driving separately and independently the pre-stretching rollers by the first transmission means 71 and the second transmission means 72.

The replacement apparatus 20 allows the simultaneous replacement of the two unwinding units 50 mounted on the two vertical arms 402. To this aim, the replacement apparatus is provided with guiding means 2 comprising two beams along which respective shuttle means 11, 12 move, which is arranged to dismantle from the wrapping machine 10 and to receive an unwinding unit 50 to be replaced or to transfer and mount a new unwinding unit 50 on said wrapping machine 10.

Therefore, the unwinding apparatus 30 of the invention can be efficiently and advantageously employed on different types of wrapping machines, since the driving means 70, associated to the supporting unit 60 fixed to the movement means 100, 200, 400 of the wrapping machine, comprises motor means that can be located directly on the above-mentioned supporting unit (for example, in the case of rotating arm or rotating table wrapping machines) or onto a frame of the wrapping machine (for example, rotating ring wrapping machines). 

1-32. (canceled)
 33. A wrapping machine, comprising (a) at least one unwinding unit for wrapping a load with a film, said unwinding unit including a first coupling device; (b) shuttle means movable along a path suitable for receiving and supporting an unwinding unit to be mounted on or removed from the wrapping machine, said shuttle means operating along a horizontal operating direction to dismantle and receive an empty unwinding unit from the wrapping machine and transfer and mount a new unwinding unit; and (c) a support unit connected with the wrapping machine and including a second coupling device for connection with said first coupling device of said unwinding unit and for supporting said unwinding unit, said first and second coupling devices operating in said horizontal operating direction.
 34. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said shuttle means includes transfer means for supporting and moving at least one unwinding unit, said transfer means being displaced along said horizontal operating direction between retracted and extended positions for dismantling and receiving said empty unwinding unit and for transferring and mounting a new unwinding unit, respectively, said horizontal operating direction being transverse to said path.
 35. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said shuttle means is displaced along said path between a first operating position for dismantling and receiving an unwinding unit to be replaced from the wrapping machine, a second operating position for transferring and mounting a new unwinding unit on the wrapping machine, and an inactive position wherein said shuttle means is outside a working zone of the wrapping machine so as not to interfere with the operation of the wrapping machine.
 36. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said shuttle means includes an actuator for moving said shuttle means along said path.
 37. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said shuttle means includes at least one shuttle provided with an actuator for moving said shuttle along said path, said shuttle further supporting at least one unwinding unit.
 38. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said shuttle means comprises a plurality of shuttles what are connected to form a convoy of shuttles, at least one shuttle including an actuator for moving said convoy of shuttles along said path.
 39. Apparatus as defined in claim 38, wherein each shuttle supports at least one unwinding unit and includes a transfer device for supporting and moving at least one unwinding unit.
 40. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, and further comprising a guide extending along said path through a working zone of the wrapping machine substantially rectilinear and parallel to an advancing direction of the load, said shuttle means sliding along said guide.
 41. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, and further comprising movement means connected with the wrapping machine for moving said support unit and said unwinding unit coupled therewith with respect to the load.
 42. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said first coupling means comprises a set of rails and said second coupling means comprises a seat for receiving said set of rails in a coupling position in which said unwinding unit is engaged with and supported by said support unit.
 43. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said first and second coupling means are coupled along said operating direction with respect to a rotational axis of said unwinding unit, whereby during rotation of said unwinding unit, a centrifugal force acting on said unwinding unit maintains said unwinding unit in engagement with and supported by said support unit in a coupling position.
 44. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, and further comprising a locking device for locking said unwinding unit to said support unit in a coupling position in which said unwinding unit is engages with and supported by said support unit.
 45. Unwinding apparatus for an wrapping machine, comprising (a) a support unit connected with the wrapping machine; (b) an unwinding unit removably connected with said support unit, said unwinding unit including a reel of film and a plurality of rollers for unwinding said film from said reel and winding it around a load, said rollers including first and second pre-stretching rollers for unwinding and pre-stretching said film; and (c) a driving assembly connected with said support unit for rotating said pre-stretching rollers.
 46. Apparatus as defined in claim 45, wherein said driving assembly includes at least one motor and first and second transmissions, said first transmission being driven by said motor and said second transmission being driven by said first transmission for rotating said pre-stretching rollers.
 47. Apparatus as defined in claim 46, wherein said first transmission includes a pair of flexible elements driven by said at least one motor and said second transmission includes a pair wheels connected with respective pre-stretching rollers, each flexible element engaging and rotating a respective wheel.
 48. Apparatus as defined in claim 46, wherein said first transmission includes a pair of movable members rotated by said at least one motor and said second transmission a pair of followers connected with respective pre-stretching rollers, each movable member engaging and rotating a respective follower.
 49. Apparatus as defined in claim 46, wherein said motors are mounted on said support unit and connected with said first transmission.
 50. Apparatus as defined in claim 46, and wherein said wrapping machine includes a frame, said motors being connected with said frame and said driving assembly includes a third transmission connecting said first transmission with said at least one motor.
 51. Apparatus as defined in claim 45, and further comprising movement means connected with the wrapping machine for moving said support unit and said unwinding unit coupled therewith with respect to the load.
 52. Apparatus as defined in claim 45, wherein said rollers include at least one guide roller for guiding said film from said reel to said pre-stretching rollers and from said pre-stretching rollers toward said load to define a wrapping angle of said film greater than 180°.
 53. Apparatus as defined in claim 45, wherein said pre-stretching rollers are adjustably connected with a frame of the wrapping machine to vary the axes between said pre-stretching rollers.
 54. Apparatus as defined in claim 45, wherein said unwinding unit includes a first coupling device and said support unit includes a second coupling device, said first and second coupling devices operating in a horizontal operating direction.
 55. Apparatus as defined in claim 54, wherein said first coupling means comprises a set of rails and said second coupling means comprises a seat for receiving said set of rails in a coupling position in which said unwinding unit is engaged with and supported by said support unit.
 56. A wrapping machine for wrapping a load with a film, comprising movement means for supporting and moving an unwinding apparatus as defined in claim 45 relative to the load.
 57. A wrapping machine as defined in claim 56, and further comprising a replacement apparatus for dismantling and receiving from said support unit an unwinding unit to be replaced and for transferring and mounting on said support unit a replacement unwinding unit, said support unit being connected with said movement means. 